Diagnostic Testing Using an Electromyogram on the Central Coast

An electromyogram, also called electromyography or EMG, evaluates the health of your muscles and the nerves that control them.

Most of us remain unaware of the special motor nerves that allow our skeletal muscles to move until we experience unexplained weakness. Dignity Health Central Coast’s team of neurologists can diagnose and treat muscle and nerve conditions using EMG throughout the Central Coast.

Neurological Care & the EMG Test at Dignity Health Central Coast

An electromyogram test helps your doctor determine possible causes for your movement disorder. While it does not provide a definite disease diagnosis, the EMG can help your doctor pinpoint a cause.

The EMG tests for many possible conditions that may cause your symptoms. These include:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Duchenne muscular dystrophy and all types of MD

Guillain-Barre syndrome

Myasthenia gravis

A mildly invasive test, an EMG involves placing thin needles through your skin into the muscle tissue. An electrode on the needle sends signals to a monitor, which records the activity of your muscles and nerves.

Preparing for Your EMG Test

Dignity Health Central Coast doctors consider the EMG test especially useful when determining the cause of your muscle weakness. To prepare for an EMG, avoid skin creams or lotions on the test day. If you take blood thinning medications, talk to your technician beforehand.

Using tests, such as EMG, helps neurology specialists at Dignity Health Central Coast diagnosis your condition, bringing you closer to treatment, healing, and a higher quality of life.

Talk to a Dignity Health Central Coast expert about an EMG test and other neurological diagnostic tests on the Central Coast today.

Dignity Health Central Coast’s uniquely qualified team of neurology experts conducts a variety of diagnostic tests, including EMGs, on the Central Coast of California.